THE HOLY SPIRIT
We like and believe much of what Jesus said, but sometimes He challenges our thinking. Sometimes we even question what He said, for instance, when He told His disciples,
It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7 (NIV)
Do you think the disciples agreed?
Would you have?
Do you agree now?
Would you rather have Christ walking with you throughout your day, or the unseen Spirit? And once Jesus went away, and the Spirit was sent, once again thinking was challenged, and the questions poured in. But Jesus did say, “It is for your good that I go away.” Note, He didn't say it’s for your comfort that I go away, but in order to send another Comforter. That’s important. And as it relates to our questions, note He didn't say it’s for your current understanding about God that I go away, but in order to send the Spirit of truth that will lead you into all truth. Let’s assume He stated it that way on purpose.
THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADS US INTO ALL TRUTH
“…when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth” John 16:13 (NIV)
That includes the truth about me, you, God and anything else God needs to clarify. However, the truth about you and me is that we don't always know the truth about you and me. Johari’s window points out there are truths about me, that others see. But there are also truths about me that others don’t see – in part because they are more personal, and in part because I hide them. There are also truths about me that I don’t see, but others do. You know what I mean, those pesky blind spots that we all have. Finally, there are truths about me that I don’t see, and others don’t either. We need the Spirit of truth involved in all these categories. Why you ask? Because something may be true about me but neither helpful nor godly? And sometimes only the Spirit can reveal something. I remember reading a book in which the author was talking about people that he was angry at. The thing was, he didn't realize he was angry with them and carrying a grudge. It was only through the Holy Spirit’s ability to lead into truth that His long-held grudges were revealed and finally let go of and the Comforter did His work. I set that book down and had a conversation with God. I asked if there was hidden anger in me. There was. That was followed by a healing time of prayer.
Let’s take this one step further.
Jesus said something about truth in John 14:6 (NIV) that forever changes how we understand truth.
6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
The reality is truth is more than facts, or doctrine, or even that which we can reason or see in ourselves and others. Truth is all of that but more. Truth is a person. Truth is living, and the whole truth is found ultimately in the Word that became flesh. Pause and take a deep breath of that amazing thought.
